Bourn’s productive winter; Astros search for catcher

The Astros have been encouraged by Michael Bourn’s play in the Dominican Winter League. He has cut down on his strikeouts, bunted more and looked more confident at the plate.

”Now keep in mind we’re talking about winter ball,” Tal Smith said.

It’s a step in the right direction on several levels. First of all, it speaks volumes that he was willing to go there and play.

Hundreds of players through the years declined requests to play winter ball because they preferred to vacation or hang out or do almost anything. If work ethic and desire count for anything, Michael Bourn still has a chance.

He played regularly for the first time last year and wasn’t productive offensively, hitting .229. His .288 OBP was the lowest in the big leagues among players with 400 ABs.

In 17 games for Aguilas Cibaenas, he’s hitting .353 with a .450 OBP. He has 12 walks and 12 strikeouts in 68 ABs. He has 37 walks and 111 strikeouts in 467 ABs last season.

Now about the catching position. Humberto Quintero and J.R. Towles will compete for the job in spring training, but it seems likely Ed Wade will sign a veteran catcher.

Given the mandate to keep the payroll around $100 million, he’ll be limited to the lines of Paul Bako, David Ross, Paul Lo Duca, Toby Hall, Javier Valentin and Gregg Zaun.

Ed Wade listens to his scouts. He encourages their feedback, and when they feel strongly about someone, he’s willing to make a move on their recommendation.

Thus the Astros acquired LHP Tyler Lumsden from the Royals. He’s an interesting, low-risk acquisition. That he was 3-13 with a 7.21 ERA at Omaha last season and had a 9.64 ERA in winter ball are the things that have gotten the most attention.

He’s also only 25 years old. He was a star at Clemson and a 2004 first-round pick of the White Sox. He’s 6-4, 200 pounds. Until about two years, he seemed on a fast track to the big leagues.

He has a big arm, and someone in the Astros organization still believes in him. The Royals essentially gave him away, so he’ll come to spring training and be given a shot to win a spot on the roster. What’s not to like?